Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino

43°04' N

LATITUDE

11°29' E

LONGITUDE

2

APPELATIONS

about this subregion

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Tuscany, the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG stands as a testament to the harmonious marriage of environment and winemaking expertise. This renowned Italian wine region boasts a climate perfectly suited for grape cultivation, with warm summers and mild winters fostering the growth of its hallmark grape variety, Sangiovese.

Sangiovese, the mainstay of Brunello di Montalcino, captures the essence of the terroir, flourishing in the region's diverse altitudes. The vineyards, ranging from 150 to 500 meters above sea level, lend distinct characteristics to the wines.

The star of the show, Brunello, is a reflection of the region's soul. Crafted exclusively from Sangiovese grapes, it undergoes a meticulous aging process of at least four years, creating a wine of unparalleled depth and complexity. Meanwhile, the Brunello Riserva takes this commitment to excellence a step further, aging for an extended period to achieve an even richer expression.

Amidst the rolling hills and under the Tuscan sun, the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG stands as an embodiment of tradition, terroir, and a profound passion for winemaking, offering a sensory journey that captures the very essence of this remarkable corner of Italy.

Associations

2100

Vineyard Hectares

0

WINERIES

-

GROWING DEGREE DAYS

Discover Terroir

Nestled within the rolling hills of Tuscany, the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG region exudes a timeless charm. This enchanting enclave is characterized by its picturesque landscape, where vineyards and olive groves paint a patchwork of vibrant green against the backdrop of rustic villages and ancient stone buildings. The undulating terrain, with its varying elevations, creates a diverse microclimate that plays a pivotal role in shaping the wines' unique character. As sunlight bathes the region in a warm embrace, it lends a touch of Mediterranean magic to the grapes, nurturing them to perfection. The Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino is in charge of ensuring the high quality of the wines from the region. Each corner of this idyllic expanse whispers the secrets of generations of winemakers, encapsulating the heart and soul of Tuscany in every bottle of Brunello di Montalcino.

The climate of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG region weaves a tapestry of harmonious complexity, playing a pivotal role in shaping the exquisite wines that emerge from its vineyards. Situated in the embrace of Tuscany, this terroir boasts a Mediterranean climate that imparts a distinct imprint on the character of the grapes.

Summer graces Montalcino with warmth and radiance, painting the landscape in hues of gold. Sun-drenched days are complemented by cool nights, a diurnal temperature shift that instills a vibrant freshness into the growing grapes. This oscillation between day and night temperatures bestows a crucial balance upon the fruit, nurturing its sugar development while preserving the acidity that lends wines their structure.

The ripening process is caressed by gentle breezes that sweep through the hills, carrying whispers of the sea from the nearby Tyrrhenian coast. These breezes contribute to the optimal conditions for grape health, preventing excessive humidity and safeguarding against vineyard diseases.

As autumn arrives, a symphony of color envelops the region. Crisp mornings lead to sunny afternoons, allowing the grapes to mature with grace. This gradual progression toward harvest creates an extended window of opportunity, affording vintners the luxury of selecting the perfect moment to pluck each cluster from the vine.

Winter in Montalcino brings a serene calmness to the landscape. The dormant vineyards are dusted with frost, and the soil rests, rejuvenating for the cycle to come. While the temperatures are cooler, they remain moderate due to the region's proximity to the Mediterranean, preventing extreme cold and ensuring the vines' well-being.

In the embrace of spring, the cycle begins anew. The awakening of the vines is greeted by the promise of rain, invigorating the earth and nurturing tender shoots. As the sun regains its strength, the cycle unfolds once more, guided by the timeless rhythm of the seasons.

The climate of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, with its warm summers, cooling breezes, and balanced temperature shifts, creates a nurturing cradle for Sangiovese grapes. It's a climate that bestows upon each wine a profound sense of place, capturing the essence of Montalcino's terroir in every exquisite sip.

The Brunello di Montalcino DOCG region showcases a fascinating mosaic of soils that contribute to the diverse and nuanced character of its wines. These varied soil types, each with its own unique composition and drainage properties, play a vital role in shaping the distinctive flavors and aromas of the grapes.

  1. Galestro: One of the most prevalent soil types in the region, Galestro is a rocky, schist-like soil that provides excellent drainage. Its crumbly texture allows roots to delve deep in search of water and nutrients. Wines grown in Galestro soils often exhibit finesse, elegance, and a pronounced mineral character.
  2. Alberese: Comprising limestone and marl, Alberese soils are known for their remarkable drainage and water retention capabilities. These soils lend structure and a vibrant acidity to the wines, often resulting in wines with great aging potential. Alberese soils are commonly found on the slopes of the region's hills.
  3. Clay: Clay soils, found in various parts of the DOCG, have good water retention properties and contribute to the vines' ability to withstand dry periods. These soils can provide a sense of opulence and roundness to the wines, balancing the natural acidity of Sangiovese grapes.
  4. Silt and Sand: Some areas of the region feature soils with a higher percentage of silt and sand, providing different drainage characteristics. These soils can offer wines with softer tannins and a more approachable, fruit-forward profile in their youth.
  5. Mixed Soils: Many vineyards in the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG contain a mix of these soil types, creating a complex patchwork that further diversifies the wines produced. The interaction of different soils within a single vineyard can lead to wines with a captivating blend of characteristics.

Discover

The Sangiovese grape, the beating heart of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, presents itself as a true embodiment of the Tuscan landscape. With its slender, dark-blue clusters and thick-skinned berries, this grape variety showcases an alluring physical aspect that mirrors the region's sun-drenched hills and rich soils.

Delving into the aromatic and flavor profile, the Sangiovese grape weaves a tale of complexity and depth. Its wines offer a captivating bouquet that often includes notes of red cherry, blackberry, and plum, intermingled with hints of earthy tobacco, dried herbs, and delicate floral undertones. On the palate, Sangiovese dances between bright acidity and well-integrated tannins, crafting a harmonious symphony of flavors that span from the fruit-forward to the savory, sometimes accented by a touch of spiciness. This grape's remarkable ability to express both the unique terroir of Montalcino and the artistry of the winemaker makes it the cornerstone of the region's revered wines, each bottle a tribute to the enchanting union of nature and human craftsmanship.

At the heart of the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG lie two exceptional expressions of winemaking prowess: Brunello and Brunello Riserva. These wines share a common heritage in Sangiovese, the grape that weaves its intricate character into each bottle. However, the individual personalities of Brunello and Brunello Riserva come to life through their distinct aging processes and flavor profiles.

  1. Brunello: The Brunello di Montalcino DOCG unveils a realm of extraordinary wines where Sangiovese reigns supreme and nature's artistry converges with human craftsmanship. Often referred to as the "king of wines," Brunello wines possess an innate regal quality that reflects their meticulous cultivation and aging process. In their youth, they reveal vibrant red fruit flavors intricately woven with herbs and subtle floral undertones. Robust tannins are balanced by a lively acidity, defining their youthful character. As time weaves its magic, these wines transform into a symphony of tertiary aromas—dried fruits, tobacco, leather, and spices—that harmoniously entwine with their core fruitiness.
  2. Brunello Riserva: At the pinnacle of Brunello's prowess stands the Brunello Riserva, demanding an even more patient aging journey. With a minimum of five years of aging, including two years in barrel and six months in the bottle, it attains an unmatched depth. Its profile delves deeper into the realm of rich dark berries, enveloping dried fruits, and savory herbs. Silky tannins and an elegant structure epitomize its heightened sophistication, a testament to the culmination of time's influence on this exceptional wine.
arrow-back-to-top